Purpose of the job

We are looking for a Civil Engineer to support the design, maintenance and development of port and maritime infrastructures. The selected candidate will work on projects involving quay walls, piers, coastal protection works, and port-related facilities. The role includes technical design, maintenance, calculations, preparation of engineering documents, and coordination with multidisciplinary teams and port authorities. Support for site activities and supervision of construction works is also required.

Summary of responsibilities

• Prepare preliminary, detailed and final designs for maritime structures
• Understand and interpret coastal and hydraulic analyses, including wave dynamics, currents and sediment transport
• Conduct geotechnical assessments
• Produce drawings, technical reports and cost estimates
• Support construction supervision and site activities
• Collaborate with port authorities, licensing bodies and external consultants
• Contribute to port layout planning and logistics development

Key performance indicators

• Improve the efficiency, durability and integrity of port facilities.
• Reduce facility repair times and optimise preventive maintenance.
• Update technical documentation and internal procedures in accordance with the latest regulations.
• Implement remote monitoring and predictive diagnostics systems.
• Develop projects to modernise ecological and digital infrastructure.

Geographic Scope & Travel Requirements

•Occasional travel (<15%)

Requirements:

Education & Experience

• Degree in Civil Engineering with Civil Engineer license
•At least 5 years' experience in the design and maintenance of complex port structure.
Technical Skills & Knowledge Required (specific skills and knowledge required for the position)
•Structural engineering and geotechnics + maritime construction: for designing piers, quays, breakwaters, mooring works, pile structures, coastal protection. Be able to perform structural calculations and checks, comply with technical regulations for civil/maritime construction, and ensure safety and compliance
•Specialised structural design and calculation for marine environments: taking into account specific loads (waves, shocks, corrosion, fatigue, aggressive environments), selection of suitable materials, durability in salty environments
•Design, management and maintenance of port and logistics infrastructure: not only structures, but also terminals, storage areas, services, energy and logistics facilities
•Project management: ability to coordinate design, works management, site management, port maintenance, coordination with multiple parties (contractors, agencies, port authorities)
•Advanced engineering analysis and modelling: use of calculation tools, hydrodynamic modelling, wave motion simulation, statistical analysis of meteorological and marine data, study of environmental and marine-coastal conditions
•Understanding of port/maritime regulations and rules: knowledge of regulations in the fields of construction, safety, the environment and maritime standards — essential for safety, authorisations, environmental impact and compliance
•Good Knowledge of Structural Calculation Software
•Very good command of AutoCAD

Transversal skills

• Professional with a hands-on mentality, task-oriented attitude in order to meet the expected project milestones
•Problem solving & critical thinking: to tackle complex engineering challenges, variable environmental conditions, unforeseen events and maintenance issues.
•Operational problem solving and quick decision making in critical situations.

•Communication and coordination skills: working with multidisciplinary teams (engineers, architects, technicians, port authorities, construction companies) and explaining technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
•Safety and structural maintenance management: knowing how to plan inspections, assess deterioration or damage, plan maintenance work, and understand issues such as corrosion in marine environments
•Adaptability and continuous learning: as technologies, regulations and environmental requirements evolve, it is important to keep up to date with new materials, construction methods, and environmental and maritime regulations
•Basic knowledge of technical English.

Preferred skills

•Knowledge of the Trieste Port Master Plan.
•Experience with energy efficiency and sustainability technologies.
•Ability to use maintenance management software.
•PLC programming.
•Ability to liaise with certification bodies and maritime authorities.

Behavioral Competences Required (e.g., organizational skills, ability to lead a team, etc.)

•Professional with a hands-on mentality.
•Ability to network with internal and external stakeholders.
•A support-oriented personality with good interpersonal skills.
•Ability to drive change.
•Influencing and motivating others.
•Ability to work effectively both in a team environment and independently.

Language Requirements

•Written and spoken English

Other Requirements

•Valid EU work permit. (Ex.)
•Willing to relocate to Trieste at short notice. (Ex.)

HHLA PLT Italy is part of HHLA Group, with over 6.400 employees worldwide. Success means different things to different people. Therefore, we try to make it possible for each employee working for us to be successful in their own way and develop professionally in accordance with our corporate goals.

Does this spark your interest? Then apply for a job with us!